Germany v Argentina: World Cup final 2014 – in pictures

Rio de Janeiro's Christ the Redeemer statue has been lit various colours during the World Cup to represent the teams who've been involved in what has been an enthralling tournament. Now we're down to the final two: Germany and Argentina. Wonder what colour Christ will be lit tonight? Photograph: YASUYOSHI CHIBA/AFP/Getty Images

This certainly isn't the final the Brazilian public wanted to see on their own soil, but it's a tasty prospect for the rest of us, nonetheless. Heaven knows what this chap paid for this ticket. Safe to say it wasn't cheap Photograph: Carl Recine/Action Images

The celebrities in the crowd are ten-a-penny. Kaka, Pele and David Beckham are causing much commotion by swanning about together Photograph: Jamie Squire/Getty Images

The pre-match antics feature Colombian pop star Shakira on stage Photograph: Themba Hadebe/AP

Former Spain captain Carles Puyol walks out onto the pitch with supermodel Gisele Bundchen. Inside that Louis Vuitton box is the World Cup trophy. Any need for the box? Didn't think so Photograph: Mike Hewitt - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images

During the German warm up, Sami Khedira has somehow managed to injure himself and is ruled out of the starting eleven Photograph: Hassan Ammar/AP

Meanwhile, Lionel Messi's shirt hangs in the Argentina dressing room. Unluckily for Germany, he's in fine fettle Photograph: Lars Baron - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images

Photographers are herded into position ready for the teams to arrive onto the pitch Photograph: NELSON ALMEIDA/AFP/Getty Images

The two teams shake hands before kick-off Photograph: NELSON ALMEIDA/AFP/Getty Images

The trophy overlooks the field of play as the game gets underway Photograph: Alexander Hassenstein - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images

Thomas Mueller of Germany looks to go past Ezequiel Garay of Argentina in the penalty box. It's been a high tempo opening thus far Photograph: Jamie Squire/Getty Images

Martin Demichelis of Argentina challenges Bastian Schweinsteiger Photograph: Matthias Hangst/Getty Images

Germany's young midfielder Christoph Kramer, who is replacing Khedira, lies injured after a collision with Garay's shoulder. He tries manfully to recover but is eventually withdrawn looking rather groggy Photograph: CHRISTOPHE SIMON/AFP/Getty Images

In the 20th minute, Gonzalo Higuain misses a plum chance for Argentina. He's played clean through by a terrible attempt at a header back to the keeper from Toni Kroos. However, Higuain shanks his effort horribly wide Photograph: Martin Rose/Getty Images

Higuain atones for his earlier miss by slamming home from six yards in the 30th minute following Lavezzi's sumptuous cross ... but the linesman rightly rules him offside Photograph: CHRISTOPHE SIMON/AFP/Getty Images

Lionel Messi finds himself surrounded as he tries to slide the ball into the German penalty box Photograph: CHRISTOPHE SIMON/AFP/Getty Images

On another occasion, Messi finds his way past his markers and causes havoc in the box. Germany escape without conceding Photograph: Michael Steele/Getty Images

These Argentina fans are growing a tad frustrated Photograph: Manu Fernandez/AP

Just before the break, Germany's Benedikt Hoewedes crashes a header against the post ... that's the closest they've come in the first half, and arguably he should have scored. Half-time: 0-0 Photograph: DYLAN MARTINEZ/REUTERS

Early in the second half, Messi is played through on goal for what is, by his standards, a glorious chance. He just has to beat the keeper, but he rolls his left-footed shot wide of the far post Photograph: ODD ANDERSEN/AFP/Getty Images

Javier Mascherano looks livid with Thomas Mueller during an altercation as the contest continues at full pelt Photograph: Jamie Squire/Getty Images

Higuain gets absolutely clattered by Germany's goalkeeper Manuel Neuer. Neuer got the ball first, but his knee gave Higuain an almighty thwack. Oddly, the Argentinian is booked for the foul Photograph: ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP/Getty Images

Higuain has run his race and is replaced by Rodrigo Palacio. Then Miroslav Klose comes off for Germany, bringing to an end his illustrious World Cup career Photograph: GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP/Getty Images

At the end of 90 minutes it's still 0-0. Extra-time is on the way. Messi looks puffed Photograph: Shaun Botterill - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images

Argentina's Rodrigo Palacio wastes another good chance in extra-time when he lifts the ball over Neuer but wide of the far post. Are Argentina going to regret their profligacy in the end? Photograph: FRANCOIS XAVIER MARIT/AFP/Getty Images

Midway through the second half of extra-time, Germany's Mario Goetze chests down the ball in the box and lashes a shot at goal ... Photograph: DYLAN MARTINEZ/REUTERS

... which beats the keeper and crashes into the back of the net! Photograph: Julian Finney/Getty Images

Absolutely delirium for Goetze and his team-mates Photograph: DYLAN MARTINEZ/REUTERS

It's the 171st goal of the tournament and with it he's surely won the World Cup for Germany? Photograph: FABRIZIO BENSCH/AFP/Getty Images

Messi looks bereft at the restart. There may be seven minutes remaining but his body language suggests the game is over Photograph: RICARDO MORAES/REUTERS

The final whistle goes and Germany are victorious. They've won their fourth World Cup Photograph: GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP/Getty Images

Bastian Schweinsteiger is in tears as Julian Draxler comes to congratulate him Photograph: Lars Baron - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images

Messi cuts a dejected and isolated figure Photograph: PAULO WHITAKER/REUTERS

Up the Germans go to collect their prize Photograph: KAMIL KRZACZYNSKI/EPA

They're the World Champions, once again Photograph: DARREN STAPLES/REUTERS

Now there's a first kiss Mario Goetze won't forget Photograph: DAMIR SAGOLJ/REUTERS